Explanation

It took place in Russia from 14 June to 15 July 2018, after the country was awarded the hosting rights in late 2010. It was the eleventh time the championships had been held in Europe, the first time they were held in Eastern Europe, and the first time they were held across two continents (Europe and Asia). Germany had won the FIFA World Cup in 2014. There are 32 teams divided into eight groups of four each for this edition of the World Cup.